IndyCar driver J.R. Hildebrand said Sunday he had thousands of dollars in racing equipment, computers and cameras stolen from a car parked in downtown Seattle. The crime is now being investigated by Seattle police.

Hildebrand, who lost his permanent drive in IndyCar racing earlier this year, was attending a Formula Drift event at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe.

"Between the laptops and all of our stuff -- a lot, like anyone -- it’s all we own," Hildebrand said Sunday night. "All our personal stuff."

Hildebrand said his racing helmet and suit, two laptops, several cameras and other items were taken from the back seat of a car parked on Seneca St. between 2nd Ave. and 3rd Ave.

About a block away, the California native found his bags at the bottom of the University St. station stairwell, but his belongings were gone.

He then called police and said he waited several hours for a response before finally filing a police report Monday morning.

"It’s unfortunate it took so long. I think we could’ve found where our stuff was going," he said, but acknowledged that more serious crimes take precedent.

Det. Jeff Kappel with the Seattle Police Department pointed out that there have been roughly 25 car prowling reports downtown in just the last week. He also said Hildebrand decided not to wait for police after a few hours, and elected to call in the morning.

"Unfortunately, car prowls are down on our list of priorities," Det. Kappel said.

Meanwhile, Hildebrand left Seattle Monday afternoon, hoping his stuff might be found. Most of it has his name painted on.

"You’ve got the ups and downs of racing," he explained. "Having all your stuff stolen doesn’t help matters." King 5 News

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